Jul 14, 2021 - Economy

J&J recalls Neutrogena, Aveeno spray sunscreens over possible cancer risk

Shawna Chen

Neutrogena suncreen — Neutrogena sunscreen on a shelf in a store in Hawaii. Photo: Michael Siluk/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday issued a voluntary recall of five Neutrogena and Aveeno spray sunscreens after internal testing identified potential cancer-causing chemicals in some samples.

Driving the news: J&J said consumers should stop using and dispose of the products. The company is notifying distributors and retailers to stop sales and arrange for returns.

The recalled aerosal sunscreens include:

Neutrogena Beach Defense
Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport
Neutrogena Invisible Daily
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Aveeno Protect + Refresh

Details: J&J said it doesn't use benzene in the sunscreens' manufacturing process and will investigate the cause of its appearance in its five products.

High levels of exposure to benzene can cause cancer, as well as more immediate effects like dizziness and rapid or irregular heartbeats.
"Based on exposure modeling and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) framework, daily exposure to benzene in these aerosol sunscreen products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences," the company said in a statement.
Of note: J&J added it is recalling the products "[o]ut of an abundance of caution."
It's unclear whether the recall affects other countries.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information.

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J&J recalls Neutrogena, Aveeno spray sunscreens over possible cancer risk

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